Coping with Ethical Uncertainty

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Published: Oct 4, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13153/diam.53.0.1105
Keywords:
uncertainty, decision theory, probability, probability of frequency, plausibility, plausibilistic expectation, utility, expected utility, Kant

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John R. Welch
Saint Louis University, Department of Philosophy

Abstract

Most ethical decisions are conditioned by formidable uncertainty. Decision makers may lack reliable information about relevant facts, the consequences of actions, and the reactions of other people. Resources for dealing with uncertainty are available from standard forms of decision theory, but successful application to decisions under risk requires a great deal of quantitative information: point-valued probabilities of states and point-valued utilities of outcomes. When this information is not available, this paper recommends the use of a form of decision theory that operates on a bare minimum of information inputs: comparative plausibilities of states and comparative utilities of outcomes. In addition, it proposes a comparative strategy for dealing with second-order uncertainty. The paper illustrates its proposal with reference to a well-known ethical dilemma: Kant’s life-saving lie.

Article Details

How to Cite
“Coping With Ethical Uncertainty”. 2017. Diametros, no. 53 (October): 150-66. https://doi.org/10.13153/diam.53.0.1105.
Issue
No. 53 (2017)
Section
Ethics and Uncertainty

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Author Biography

John R. Welch, Saint Louis University, Department of Philosophy

John R. Welch, PhD
Saint Louis University - Madrid Campus
Department of Philosophy
Avenida del Valle, 34
28003 Madrid
Spain

E-mail: jwelch7@slu.edu

How to Cite

“Coping With Ethical Uncertainty”. 2017. Diametros, no. 53 (October): 150-66. https://doi.org/10.13153/diam.53.0.1105.
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